SXSW: Thundercat

Friday, 11 p.m. @ Beauty Bar Backyard

I know, I know-- the whole point of Thundercat is leader Stephen Bruner and his frantic bass skills. But please, can we give the drummer some? At this set, the drummer's arms were flailing around like hydra heads, smashing every cymbal over and over like he had a grudge against all things gold-colored and circular. So while "Daylight", a highlight from last year's The Golden Age of Apocalypse, sounded smoother than silk pajamas, there was that drummer behind him, going apeshit like he just did not care. Even the band's soundcheck sounded like some heavy jazz freakout.

Smell of the garbage near the badges-only line outside the venue: Gym socks

Smell of the front-of-the-stage crowd: Farts and beer

Number of times I was asked if I'd heard of Thundercat and whether they were any good: 3